Tax Lien

Definition

A government claim on a property for unpaid property taxes—Uncle Sam's way of saying 'pay up or we're taking your house.'

Example Usage

The county filed a tax lien against the owner for unpaid property taxes.

Origin

Tax law terminology, formalized with property tax collection laws

Fun Fact

Tax liens must typically be satisfied before a property can be sold or refinanced.

Source: Tax and Property Law Standards

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